If you are on a private shallow well and have a household member considered a high public health risk, it is a good idea to test your water for nitrate. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless chemical that is only detectable by chemical testing. It is also a good idea to test for coliform.

Public water systems must meet minimum water quality standards to be considered safe and reliable. A water system can include those of a city and town, down to a small home owners’ association or commercial business. These systems must test their wells on a regular basis to show they meet the minimum standards. Or if necessary install treatment if the samples show the water supply is contaminated.

Many residents, however, rely on private or shared drinking water wells that are not regulated. These residents are responsible for testing their own well to make sure it is safe to drink. They can best protect themselves by having samples analyzed from their drinking water wells by a certified lab at least once a year for bacteria and nitrate.

You or your landlord may want to seek treatment or alternative water sources for drinking and cooking, based on the results of these tests. For instance, a treatment solution for bacteria may not work for nitrate. You may wish to rely on bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula and for younger family members or for pregnant women. Or you may install a certified filtration system that eliminates nitrate, bacteria, or both types of contamination.

If you are concerned that your water was the cause for someone being sick, you should see a doctor. For bacterial contamination, symptoms can seem flu-like, but the drinking water may be the problem.

If you get your drinking water from a private well and are located within the Lower Yakima Valley (outside of the Yakama Nation) and would like to get your well tested, contact the Yakima Health District Help Desk at 509-249-6508.